Professor Rick Thomas

The idea here is to give some idea as to what studying computer science at university will entail with regards to the mathematics requirements. Many students (particularly those with some experience of computing) do not realize that the use of mathematical techniques in computer science is growing rapidly. The talk will attempt to give some idea as to why this is the case and to describe how mathematics fits in. The talk will also point out that the sort of mathematics we need is different from most of that traditionally studied at A-level and it will also question our normal ideas as to what is pure and what is applied mathematics. We will not go into detail as to what sort of mathematics is needed but will attempt to give a flavour as to what is required here. The talk may be of interest to mathematics students to see how their subject is applied or to those students wondering whether to pursue computer science as a degree subject.

• Approximate length: 50 minutes
• Equipment required: overhead projector
• Target audience: AS or A level students studying Mathematics or Computer Science